Anke BROCK (PhD)

Since 10/2017, I am an Assistant Professor at ENAC Toulouse, France, in the field of Human-Computer Interaction. From 10/2014 to 09/2017, I worked as a Research Scientist (CR1) at Inria Bordeaux, France, and at LaBRI, University Bordeaux, and I am still an associate researcher for both institutions.
From 12/2013 to 09/2014, I was a Postdoctoral Researcher at IRIT Toulouse and Teaching Assistant at the University of Toulouse, France.
Prior to my career in academia I have worked as an Engineer in Research & Development at Bosch (Hildesheim, Germany). During this time (2004 - 2009), I have worked on car navigation systems and driver assistance systems.
I obtained a PhD (2013) and a Master's Degree (2010) in Human-Computer Interaction from the University of Toulouse, France.
I also hold an engineering diploma in Information Technology from Baden-Wuerttemberg Cooperative State University in Stuttgart, Germany (2004).

Projects

FlyMap: Interacting with Maps Projected from a Drone
We propose FlyMap as a novel user experience for drone-based interactive maps. We designed and developed three interaction techniques for FlyMap's usage scenarios. In a comprehensive indoor study, we show the strengths and weaknesses of two techniques on users' cognition, task load, and satisfaction. FlyMap was then pilot tested with the third technique outdoors in real world conditions with four groups of participants. We show that FlyMap's interactivity is exciting to users and opens the space for more direct interactions with drones. Published at PerDis'18

Multisensory maps for the blind
MapSense is a multi-sensory interactive map for visually impaired children providing audio, tactile and olfactory cues. We deployed MapSense in a special education institute during two days. It enables collaborations between children with a broad range of impairments, proposes reflective and ludic scenarios and allows caretakers to customize it as they wish. A field experiment reveals that both children and caretakers considered the system successful and empowering.
Published at CHI'16

Bespoke map customization
we present the first study of naturalistic (“bespoke”) map customization behavior. Through a mixed methods and mixed-media approach involving a survey, the analysis of a corpus of customized maps, and an interview with a power user, we find that bespoke map customization is a relatively common activity and identify frequent use cases as well as map customization strategies.
Published at MUM'17

Accessible gestural interaction
We investigated how gestural interaction can be integrated in accessible interactive maps that combine multi-touch displays and a raised-line overlay.
Published at Eurohaptics 2014

3D printed interactive accessible maps
With the emergence of 3D printing and low-cost microcontrollers, it is now easy to design affordable interactive small-scale models (SSM). In collaboration with a specialized teacher, we designed a SSM and a raised-line map (RLM) representing the evolution of the geography and history of a fictitious kingdom. The study showed that the interactive SSM improved both space and text memorization as compared to the RLM with braille legend. (postdoc Stéphanie Giraud).
Published in Frontiers in Psychology - Human-Media Interaction

Code the globe
We present a framework for developing applications for multitouch spherical displays that makes it possible to create interactive content by programming standard GUI applications, as for example interactive web pages. (PhD Thomas Crespel, collaboration with Patrick Reuter)
Published at PerDis'17

Personalization of Museum Visits
Museums today are competing with the entertainment industry to attract visitors. Personalizing museum visits, depending on visitors’ preferences, is one possible solution for making museums more attractive.
In this project, we work on designing tools for museum professionals as well as for visitors.
Work in Progress at IHM'18

Teaching

I am co-reponsible for the Master2 in Human-Computer Interaction at ENAC, Toulouse (with P. Palanque, IRIT - University Toulouse).
I have been teaching since 2010 at University of Toulouse, France.
I have also taught at Enseirb-MatMeca Engineering School in Bordeaux and
the Master Cognitive Science at the University Bordeaux.